What women need to know about triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer derives its name from what it isn’t. It is characterized by cells that lack estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors, which means it does not respond to hormone therapies or HER2-targeted treatments.

At risk:

More likely to occur before age 40 or 50 in African-American and Hispanic women. Black women are three times more likely to develop TNBC than white women.

People with a BRCA1 mutation. When those with this inherited mutation develop breast cancer, especially before 50, it is often triple negative.

Facts:

Triple negative breast cancer can be more aggressive and difficult to treat than other types of breast cancer. If it spreads and recurs, that is more likely to happen in the first three to five years. Early detection is key.

Detection:

For women over 40 and over, annual screening mammograms are recommended but they don’t detect all breast cancers which is why regular breast self-examination is important – especially for young women. At-risk women and those with a family history of breast cancer should speak to their health care provider about a screening mammogram and a breast MRI.

Treatment:

Just because TNBC doesn’t respond to hormone therapies or HER2-targeted treatments doesn’t mean it can’t be treated and cured. Treatment typically consists of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Research shows that it may even respond better to chemotherapy than other types of breast cancer. Research worldwide is focused on finding more targeted therapies.